History in Brief

Lynchburg Museum System
Museum System News. The Lynchburg Museum is pleased to present the second phase of a major exhibition on Virginia during the Civil War. An American Turning Point: Waging War comes to the Lynchburg Museum courtesy of the Virginia Historical Society and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission. Waging War focuses on technology, weaponry, leadership, and Virginia as the major battleground of the war. The exhibit, which has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, runs through Sunday, May 5.
Since the Civil War initiated vast changes in technology and invention, the exhibit explores the use of balloons, railroads, and communication devices. Visitors are challenged to text on their cell phones to see if they are as fast as a telegrapher, who sent in 54 seconds the message that President Lincoln had been shot. Also included is an exhibit on James Hanger, one of the first amputees of the Civil War and founder of a company that still produces prosthetic limbs today. Notable artifacts include items recovered from the USS Monitor shipwreck, a pocket watch owned by General Stonewall Jackson, maps, photographs, JEB Stuart’s revolver, and an octant, a navigation device used on the CSS Virginia. Other artifacts are weapons that show the evolution of firearms from smoothbore muskets to Sharps carbines to Spencer repeating rifles. Original art depicting the battle between the Monitor and Virginia by Xanthus Smith is included, as is the well-known portrait of General Jubal Early by John Wycliffe Lowes Forster.
Visitors will learn about the “Angel of Marye’s Heights,” the 19-year-old South Carolina soldier Richard Kirkland, who carried water to wounded Union troops between the lines at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Other stories relate to Siah Carter, a slave at Shirley Plantation on the James River. Carter rowed to a Union gunboat to his freedom and then served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Monitor. Museum System Upcoming Events.
The Lynchburg Museum, 901 Court Street, and Point of Honor,112 Cabell Street, are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Contact the museum educator, Rachel Deddens, for group tours and special programs: (434) 455-4424 or rachel.deddens@lynchburgva.gov. Visit us at LynchburgMuseum.org and PointOfHonor.org, or find us on Facebook.
April 23—Garden Day
Tea and light refreshments will be served at Point of Honor, and the Gift Shop will have a sale on special items. A free trolley will run from Point of Honor to downtown attractions. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Free
May 22—Homeschool Open House
Homeschoolers from across Virginia are invited to tour the Museum and Point of Honor as educational resources for families. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Free for homeschoolers.
June 10-14—Discover Lynchburg: Summer Camp for Kids
Children ages 9–12 can enjoy a weeklong camp from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Visit historic sites, police department, and fire station. Picnic on Percival’s Island. $50 per child • Reserve early!
June 24-28—Teacher Recertification Camp
Educators explore Lynchburg-area history and earn recertification credits at the Lynchburg Museum and Point of Honor. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday • $50 per teacher
Old City Cemetery
Cemetery Upcoming Events. The Old City Cemetery presents informative and fun programs throughout the year. All events take place on the Cemetery grounds. Guided tours are available, advance reservations are required. The Cemetery Center is open Monday through Saturday, except for April, May, and October when the Center is open 7 days. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., however the grounds are open daily sunrise to sunset. Programs are free. For more information call (434) 847-1465 or email karen@gravegarden.org. The Cemetery is located at 401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, VA 24501.
April 13—“All The Buzz About Bees”
Klaus Schreiber, urbanforester for the City of Lynchburg and beekeeper, will present the life cycle of honeybees. An observation of our own beehives at the Cemetery is a part of the demonstration. 11:00 a.m.
May 11-12—18th Annual Antique Rose Festival
Enjoy the Cemetery’s famous antique rose collection during this annual event. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Rooted cuttings of many old-fashioned varieties will be available for purchase. Pre-sale starts Friday, May 3. On Sunday, May 12, we offer a free Mother’s Day Rose Walk at 3:00 p.m.
May 26 —Confederate Memorial Day Service
An annual Lynchburg tradition since 1866, sponsored this year by Kirkland Otey Chapter No. 10, United Daughters of the Confederacy. Period dress encouraged. Confederate Section. 3:00 p.m.
May 27—Annual Memorial Day Bird Walk & Count
Lynchburg Bird Club and visitors record species sightings during this period of peak bird population. Bring binoculars. Rain or shine. Meet at the Gatehouse. 8:30 a.m.
June 7—National Donut Day
National Donut Day began as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army in 1938 and is held annually on the first Friday of June, in honor of the female volunteers of World War I who served donuts to soldiers behind the front lines. In honor of National Donut Day, the Cemetery will be handing out donuts and offering tours of the Station House Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
June, July, August—Summer Saturdays in the Cemetery
Special walking tours of the Cemetery every Saturday highlighting historical and horticultural points of interest on the grounds. Meet at the Gatehouse. 10:00 a.m.
June 9, July 14, August 11—Second Sundays Concert Series
Informal music performances in the Chapel. 3:00p.m.
Jones Memorial LibraryLibrary Upcoming Lectures. The Lynchburg History Series for 2012–2013 is once again featuring interesting and well-presented lectures. Plan to attend the last two lectures of this season and bring a friend with you. Each lecture is given in the Jones Memorial Library’s reading room and begins promptly at 5 p.m.
April 17—”The Restoration of Humanity Hall” by Martha Stokes
“Humanity Hall,” is an eighteenth- and early-nineteenth-century house located in Buckingham County, Virginia. The lecture will include a brief history, beginning with the condition of the house when purchased by Martha and Ray Stokes in 2001 and continuing through the restoration process over the past few years.
May 15—Quietas Castra: A Short History by Ted Craddock
Camping became very popular in Lynchburg, as well as the rest of the country, from the 1840s forward. A group of Lynchburg men began camping in Bath County, Virginia, at the turn of the twentieth century. The lecture will trace origins of this camping organization, Lynchburg families, and the development of the camp.
Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest Upcoming Events. Visitors come to Poplar Forest to see the latest discoveries and restored features, as well as to sense Jefferson’s presence in the house and feel an emotional connection to the man, his ideas, his boundless energy, and his ingenuity.
Poplar Forest is open seven days a week, April through November. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit Poplar Forest to plan your visit. Our address is 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, Virginia, 24551.
April 13—Thomas Jefferson Craft Beer Tasting
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is pleased to announce the Inaugural Thomas Jefferson Craft Beer Tasting on Saturday, April 13, 2013. Join us as we explore one of Jefferson’s household “necessaries”—the pursuit of crafting and brewing beer. The tasting will be held in the afternoon and will feature craft beer brewers from all over the state of Virginia, live music, local food vendors, area artisans and more. Tours of Mr. Jefferson’s house will also be available throughout the day.
April 23—Garden Day in Lynchburg
Learn about historic garden archaeology and restoration at Jefferson’s retreat, an official project of The Garden Club of Virginia. Free with regular admission or a Lynchburg Garden Day ticket. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
April 27—Conversations with Mr. Jefferson Step back in time as Mr. Jefferson hosts Benedict Arnold, where they will recount their early years and their paths as Revolutionary War Patriots —Jefferson on to statesman and Arnold to traitor. Advanced tickets are strongly recommended.
May 4—Architectural Restoration Talk & Tour
Rediscover Jefferson’s true architectural masterpiece. Get the latest update, guided tour and slide lecture with Travis McDonald, director of architectural restoration at Poplar Forest. Free with regular admission. Tours at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
May 12—Mother’s Day at Poplar Forest
Give mom a special treat this Mother’s Day with a free tour of Poplar Forest! Admission is free for mothers all day.
May 18—Stargazing at Poplar Forest
8:00 p.m. Experience the night sky Jefferson-style, at his secluded retreat. Talk and stargaze with Dr. Neal Sumerlin, retired founding director of the Belk Observatory at Lynchburg College. Admission is $5.00. Ages 18 and under are free. Reservations required. 8:00 p.m.
May 27—Restoration/Preservation Field School
Visit poplarforest.org/programs/restoration-field-school for more information. The Field School will run from May 27–June 8.
June 2—Archaeology Field School
Visit poplarforest.org/programs/archaeology-field-school for more information. The Field School will run from June 2–July 12.
June 16—Father’s Day
Give dad something he’s not expecting for Father’s Day: a free tour of Poplar Forest! Admission is free for fathers all day.
July 4—Independence Day Celebration
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than at Thomas Jefferson’s second home! Enjoy music, dancing, historical entertainment, games, storytelling, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Admission is $8.00 for adults. Ages 15 and under are free. House tours are also available for a reduced rate. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 15—Summer Kids Camp: History, Archaeology, and Restoration
This summer, don’t just read about history, live it during this unique, hands-on-history camp for rising 4th and 5th graders at Mr. Jefferson’s retreat home, Poplar Forest! Visit poplarforest.org/programs/summer-camps for more information. The camp will run from July 15–July 19 • 8 a.m. to noon.
July 20—Shakespeare at Poplar Forest
The Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival is coming to Poplar Forest! Enjoy a live performance of Shakespeare’s Cymbeline by Endstation Theatre Company. Grab your friends and join us for an evening of theatre, local beer, and great food under the stars on Jefferson’s lawn. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended. To purchase tickets please go to endstationtheatre.org/get-tickets/ or call (434) 826-0391. House Tours at 5:30 p.m. • Performance at 7:00 p.m.
July 29—Summer Kids Camp: Architecture
Rising 4th and 5th graders can enjoy a day camp to explore and experience the genius of Jefferson and his passion for architecture, including the characteristics that make Poplar Forest different! Visit poplarforest.org/programs/summer-camps for more information. The camp will run July 29–August 2 • 9 a.m. to noon.
August 17—Obstacle Course Run
Run through the fields and wooded areas of Jefferson’s Poplar Forest plantation, encountering obstacles along the way! Entry fees will support children’s educational programming at Poplar Forest. Entry deadlines and fees to be announced. 8:00 a.m.
September 8—Grandparents Day
Spend the day with your grandchildren! Tours will focus on Jefferson’s visits to Poplar Forest with his grandchildren. Hands-on-history will be open with family games and activities. Also enjoy living history interpreters in Jefferson’s kitchen! Free with regular admission.